Sydney have ended Collingwood’s stunning winning streak and leapt into the AFL top two with a commanding 27-point victory at the SCG.
The Swans made a profound statement in the high-stakes match between two top-four contenders with an ominous four-quarter performance in the 11.11 (77) to 7.8 (50) triumph on Sunday.
With a top-two spot on the line, this was arguably the most impressive of the Swans’ six consecutive wins, which have come at an average margin of 40 points.
The Magpies’ fairytale run in close contests rarely looked like adding another chapter with a 12th straight win as the Swans controlled the ball and territory early, then held the visitors at arms-length in the second half.
The Swans (15-6) could have settled the contest much sooner but for missing several simple shots that kept the Magpies dreaming of another improbable comeback in front of 44,659 fans – the second most ever at the SCG for a home and away match.
Isaac Heeney sparkled early in his 150th game, kicking 1.2 from eight disposals in the opening term, but it was the Swans’ onballers who gradually out-muscled the Magpies while the McCartin brothers – Paddy and Tom – dominated the airways in defence.
Co-captains Callum Mills (29 touches, five clearances) and Luke Parker (25, eight) led the way in the midfield, with Chad Warner (25, five) and James Rowbottom (24, seven) also continuing their strong form.
The Swans had a spread of forward targets as Lance Franklin kicked three goals, while Tom Papley and Heeney finished with two apiece.
The Magpies lacked a similar goal threat, especially with Jordan De Goey a late withdrawal with a hip flexor issue and Jack Ginnivan subbed out at half-time after tweaking a hamstring.
Ginnivan had helped stop the Swans’ momentum when they led by 21 points in the second term, the small forward converting from a controversial free kick for a high tackle, and his absence was noticeable after the main break.
Captain Scott Pendlebury (26 disposals) and Josh Daicos (25) battled hard but first-year gun Nick Daicos had his influence limited by the close-checking of Swans stopper Ryan Clarke, as the Magpies failed to match the measured ball movement of their opponents.
The loss leaves the Magpies (15-6) in fifth spot – outside the top four on percentage – and needing a win and other results to go their way in the last round to start the finals with a double chance.
Sydney will look to book a home qualifying final with a win over St Kilda on Sunday, while Collingwood need to bounce back against Carlton on the same day to secure a top four finish.
